These iconic sneakers from our teenage years are suddenly everywhere again

The Cycling of Sneaker Trends

Let’s face it: in recent years, Adidas has absolutely dominated the sneaker scene. Their revamped classics—from Gazelle and Samba to Stan Smith—have turned city streets into mini catwalks. In 2024, the German sportswear giant sticks to its recipe for success: digging deep into its archives and bringing its iconic models back with a modern twist. The latest proof? The sublime Stella McCartney x Adidas « Rasant ». Once seen as a relic from the past, the racing sneaker now returns with an ultra-contemporary, fully vegan version, directly inspired by Stella McCartney and Adidas’s very first creative sneaker team-up, which originally debuted on her Spring/Summer 2002 runway.

From Track to Catwalk: The « Rasant » Story

Named « Rasant »—which means « fast » in German—this minimalist neo-sneaker stands as a true sportswear descendant of the Adidas Monza, the original model from the brand launched in the 1970s. That shoe graced the feet of motorsport legends, from Mario Andretti to French racing icon Michèle Mouton. So yes, this is a retro-tinged it-sneaker with pure sporting DNA.

The Rise (and Return) of the Racing Sneaker

Traditionally reserved for the world of auto racing, the racing sneaker has sprinted straight into the heart of the fashion world thanks to sportswear powerhouses like Adidas. With its streamlined shape, laced all the way to the mid-calf, and slender sole, it stands out with a style that’s just as athletic as it is elegant. That unmistakable sportswear silhouette quickly caught the eyes of luxury houses, who began adapting it for both women’s and men’s collections.

Stella McCartney herself was one of the first to reintroduce the iconic style with Adidas back in 2001. Now, twenty-three years later, the most unmistakably British of designers is reinventing the must-have speed shoe once again, revealing it in an exclusive collaboration on the Paris runway.

Why the Racing Sneaker Is the New Must-Have

• It’s nostalgic, yet thoroughly modern—giving us the best of both worlds;
• Its minimalist and sporty-chic look suits everything from streetwear to statement outfits;
• The fully vegan version proves style and sustainability can walk hand in hand (and still look fast doing it).

So if you’ve been catching those sleek, retro-inspired sneakers everywhere lately, you’re not imagining it—the racing sneaker’s comeback truly is racing ahead. And, if Stella and Adidas declare it the shoe of the moment, who are we to argue? Better lace up while you can—these style icons are already flying off the shelves (and onto every sidewalk).